MADRID, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Barcelona's Mexican youngster
Giovani Dos Santos has said he still has much to learn despite
grabbing headlines with his performances in the Primera Liga
side's preparations for the new season.
The 18-year-old forward has top scored with three goals
during their pre-season so far, two of them coming on the
side's tour of Asia, putting the much-vaunted trident of Samuel
Eto'o, Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry in the shade.
'The truth is I am looked after very well by the three of
them. I've played with all of them and they make playing
football much easier,' he was quoted as saying in the Spanish
media on Wednesday.
'I have to work hard now to play more minutes and to get to
their level. My career is only just beginning.'
Barca coach Frank Rijkaard has been impressed with
Giovani's performances in Asia and jokingly dubbed him his
'secret weapon' while Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho has also
expressed his admiration.
'It's fantastic to play with a young player with so much
talent. I will try and help him as much as I can,' he said.
Giovani, a Mexico youth international, joined Barca when he
was 13 and is following in the footsteps of Argentina forward
Lionel Messi by progressing from the youth ranks to their first
team.
Messi missed the Asia tour to holiday after competing in
the Copa America, and will provide further competition for
Giovani once the season gets underway